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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bishop compare the winter wind to in "The Colder the Air"?
(a) A tiger.
(b) A tigress.
(c) A hunter.
(d) A huntress.

2. What is one question the poet asks in "Questions of Travel"?
(a) Whether people who have a good imagination don't need to travel.
(b) Whether travel can ruin one's sense of imagination.
(c) Whether it is better to travel or just to use one's imagination.
(d) Whether people have to travel because they have no imagination.

3. Who do the characters pick up in "Manners"?
(a) A boy and his goat.
(b) A boy and his falcon.
(c) A boy and his crow.
(d) A boy and his dog.

4. What could the tone of the Four Poems indicate about the poet?
(a) She prefers to use a lot of detail.
(b) She prefers to include herself in her poems.
(c) She prefers flowery language.
(d) She prefers concise language.

5. Why is Bishop so eager to have Moore visit her?
(a) Moore offered to edit Bishop's poetry.
(b) Moore was a close friend.
(c) Moore had free museum passes.
(d) Moore had important connections.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is the auntie surprised by the burglar's actions in "The Burglar of Babylon"?

2. What does the singer do in "Songs for a Colored Singer?"

3. To what topic do many of Bishop's observations in the poems in North and South pertain?

4. What is depicted in "Manuelzinho"?

5. In "Cape Breton," what types of animals are staring out to sea?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Electrical Storm," why are the pearls twice described as dead?

2. In what way does the language contrast with the emotional situation in "Songs for a Colored Singer?"

3. What is Bishop comparing in "Large Bad Picture" when she refers to "commerce or contemplation"?

4. What two things is Bishop comparing in "Brazil, January 1, 1502"?

5. In "Questions of Travel," does the poet decide it is better to travel, or stay home and use one's imagination?

6. What surprise does Bishop reveal in the last line of "Insomnia?"

7. How does Bishop liken an iceberg to the soul in "The Imaginary Iceberg"?

8. Why does "Arrival at Santos" end with the tour group heading toward the interior of Brazil?

9. What is the significance of the trees capturing the music in "View of the Capitol from the Library of Congress"?

10. What is the significance of the title of "The Prodigal"?

(see the answer keys)

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